Good News! Mira Bhayandar and Thane-Ghodbunder To Also Get Pod Taxi

The Maharashtra government is considering a new pod taxi route linking Thane-Ghodbunder and Mira-Bhayandar. The goal is to improve connectivity with metro and railway stations. Interestingly, it should be noted that the first pod taxi project in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) project is still facing delays.

On Tuesday, February 18, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the new route after returning from Vadodara, where he visited the Nutran EV Mobility Futran Experience Centre. The company is in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Wagodiya, Vadodara and it is where the pod car is being built.

The Futran system is being developed under the Make in India initiative. Around 70% of its components are already made locally. The goal is to reach 85% domestic manufacturing by 2028. This will make the system cost-effective and easy to maintain.

According to Sarnaik, the pod system will help reduce congestion in Maharashtra. The state has identified several possible routes, with a focus on Mira-Bhayandar Road. The system is designed for 24/7 operation and can integrate with metro stations. 

The Futran system has several advantages. It has a small turning radius, compact stations, and easy integration with existing metro networks. Each pod car runs on electric motors and batteries. It can carry up to 20 passengers and travel at speeds of 60–70 km/h. The system includes collision avoidance technology and maintains a 25-meter following distance. 

The infrastructure is also compact. The tracks and stations require small pillars measuring less than 1 meter by 1 meter. The pod cars travel six meters above the road. The system can transport over 15,000 passengers per hour in each direction. 

Meanwhile, progress on the BKC pod taxi project continues. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has selected Hyderabad-based M/s Sai Green Mobility Private Limited as the concessionaire. The letter of intent was sent on September 10, 2024. The concession agreement was signed on October 9, 2024. The company has one year to secure clearances and approvals before starting work.